Self-propelled hydraulic hammer



Nov. 17, 1953 E. E. DORKINS SELF-PROPELLED HYDRAULIC HAMMER 6 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed Aug. 23, 1950 INVENTOR. m [1/00 5 Oar/60.:

Nov. 17, 1953 E. E. DORKINS SELF-PROPELLED HYDRAULIC HAMMER 6 Sheets-Sheet 2' Filed Aug. 23, 1950 Nov. 17, 1953 E. E. DORKINS SELF-PROPELLED HYDRAULIC HAMMER 6 Sheets-Sheet 3 Filed Aug. 25, 1950 INVE{VTOR. [m0 Z: 0004025 Nov. 17, 1953 E. E. DORKINS 2,659,584

SELF-PROPELLED HYDRAULIC HAMMER Filed Aug. 25, 1950 6 Sheets-Sheet 4 INVEIYTOR. [1/00 Dar/ 70a Nov. 17, 1953 E. E. DORKINS SELF-PROPELLED HYDRAULIC HAMMER 6 Sheets-Sheet 5 Filed Aug. 23. 1950 INVENTOR. [V00 6. flank/'05 Nov. 17, 1953 E. E. DORKINS SELF-PROPELLED HYDRAULIC HAMMER 6 Sheets-Sheet 6 Filed Aug. 25 1950 V/K N %Q\ A w u Patented Nov. 17, 1953 UNITED STATES OFFICE SELF-PROPELLED HYDRAULIC HAMMER Application August .23, 1950, Serial No. 181,069

7 Claims. i

This invention relates to drop hammers and carriages or vehicles therefor and more particularly to a drop hammer on a carriage or vehicle adapted to be self-propelled or otherwise moved to places of use for driving and/or pulling objects and performing work such as breaking, cutting or otherwise hammering and/or tamping pavement, soil and the like, and moving the vehicle and/or hammer mounting during such work in selected directions to progressively work larger areas, said invention being an improvement of that disclosed in my copending application, Serial No. 138,811, filed January 16, 1950.

The objects of the invention are to provide a self-contained, portable unit including a carriage or vehicle including a power-driven hydraulic system and an hydraulically operated drop hammer mechanism adjustably and movably mounted on the carriage or vehicle for vertical operation of the hammer when the carriage is on uneven or sloping surfaces and swin ing movement laterally of the vehicle for hammering or otherwise working a path of wide width relative to the vehicle; to provide a portable drop hammer mechanism on a carriage or vehicle adapted to perform a large variety of functions both when stationary and when moved over a surface as in road or right-of-way recally operated drop hammer mechanism mounted on a suit-able carriage or vehicle in such a manner as to be tilted in any direction from a relatively vertical position and operated in said tilted position; to provide hydraulic means for :7",

raising an impact member or hammer as desired to the upper limit of its motion and dropping the same by release of the hydraulic fluid; to provide mechanism having control of a drop hammer at all times to permit substantially free falling of the hammer; to provide a drop hammer trackway mounting adapted for folding said trackway relative to a carriage for travel to locations of Work; to provide for controlling operation of the drop hammer from the driving seat of the vehicle whereby the operator has full control of the hammer, hammer operating mechanism, lateral movement of the hammer mechanism, and forward and reverse movement of the vehicle for easily maneuvering, placing in position and operating the entire structure without assistance from others; to provide a mounting for the hammer mechanism for swinging same laterally of the vehicle selectively on a line parallel with the front axle or in an are about a pivotal connection between the mounting and vehicle; to provide an hydraulic m0- tor and hydraulic controls for raising the impact member or hammer and dropping same; and to provide apparatus of this character that is economical to manufacture, sturdy in construction, versatile, and efiicient in operation to give either fast or slow, and light or hard smashing blows with substantially no shock to the apparatus or operator.

In accomplishing these and other objects of the present invention, I have provided improved details of structure, the preferred forms of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein:

Fig. 1 is a side elevation of a self-propelled vehicle with a hammer trackway in folded condition for travel to locations of work, portions being broken away to better illustrate the structure.

Fig. 2 is a longitudinal sectional view through the hammer and vehicle therefor, with the trackway for the hammer in upright position for operation of the apparatus.

Fig. 3 is a plan view of the vehicle, the ham mer and trackway thereon being shown swung laterally from the longitudinal center of the vehicle.

Fig. 4 is a partial perspective view illustrat- P r and maintenance; 0 provide an hydraufi- I": ing the hammer trackway mounting and latera movement mechanism.

Fig. 5 is a transverse sectional view through the trackway mounting on the line 5--'5, Fig. 2.

Fig. 6 is a detail perspective view of the hydraulic operated mechanism on the upper end of the trackway for raising the hammer and dropping same.

Fig. '7 is a diagrammatic view of the hydraulic circuits and mechanism for operating the hammer and mounting.

Fig. 8 is a detail perspective view of a modifled form of hammer raising mechanism.

Fig. 9 is a diagrammatic view of the hydraulic circuits and modified mechanism for raising the hammer and dropping same.

Refer-ring more in detail to the drawings:

1 designates a multi-purpose drop hammer mechanism and vehicle or carriage embodying the features of the invention, adapted to be selfpropelled or otherwise moved to locations where work is to be done and also for movement during actual operation of the hammer. The vehicle or carriage 2 includes a frame 3 having spaced members 4 and 5 longitudinally of and converging forwardly of the vehicle. The frame members 4 and 5 are rigidly connected by a suitable number of spaced, transverse members, for example the members 6, l and 8, to form a rigid, strong frame structure. Brackets 9 are fixed to the frame members 4 and 5 adjacent the rear ends thereof, and depend therefrom and are suitably and rigidly fixed to an axle which includes differential gearing enclosed in a housing I l and having driving connection with rear wheels l2 carried by the axle Ill.

The transverse member 6 at the forward end of the frame members 3 and 4 is provided with spaced depending flanges l3 and [-4 having aligned bores l5 for suitably mounting a pin l5 arranged on the longitudinal center of the vehicle. A bearing I1 is rotatably mounted on the pin 16 and fixed to the front axle l8 whereby said axle will rock about the pin I5 or an axis longitudinally of the vehicle. The axle I8 is preferably a structural shape such as an I or H-beam with a web [9 in a vertical plane and the upper and lower flanges 26 and 2! respectively extending forwardly and rearwardly of the web relative to the vehicle. The axle I8 is preferably substantially longer than the rear axle l0 and has sleeves 22 fixed on the ends thereof. Kingpins 23 are rotatably mounted in the sleeves 22 preferably on a substantially vertical axis and are provided with outwardly turned arms 24 on which front wheels 25 are suitably mounted for rotation, the spacing between the front wheels preferably being considerably greater than the spacing between the rear wheels l2 for a purpose later described. Fixed to the kingpins 23 are arms 26, having free ends suitably connected by links 27 to an arm 28 operatively connected to a steering gear located in a housing 29 for operation by a steering wheel 30 located in a suitable position for turning by an operator sitting in a seat 3| suitably mounted on a plate 32 or other structure carried by the frame members and forming a floor thereon for supporting the operator-driver, intermediate the ends of the frame 3. This arrangement provides the operator-driver with a View forwardly of the vehicle and permits center point steering of the front wheels 25. Also the wheels [2 and 25 may be equipped with brakes selectively and/or individually operated by foot pedals 33, suitably located for the convenience of the operator-driver. The operating structure of the brakes, being conventional, is not illustrated.

An engine or other prime mover 34 is mounted on the frame 3 and is operatively connected with an hydraulic pump 35 and also through a clutch 36 and gear shift type transmission 31 to the differential gearing in the housing I I for suitably moving the vehicle forwardly and rearwardly. In the particular structure illustrated, the drive shaft 38 is provided with a gear 39 having meshmg engagement with a gear 40 fixed on a countershaft 4| rotatably mounted in spaced bearings 42 suitably'supported on the plate 32. sheave pulleys 43 are fixed on the countershaft 4| and are drivingly connected by belts 44 with sheave pulleys 45 which drive the pump 35. The countershaft 4! is also provided with sheave pulleys 46 drivingly connected by belts 41 with sheave pulleys 48 rotatably mounted on a countershaft 49 which is also rotatably mounted in spaced bearings 50 carried on the plate 32.

The clutch 36 is mounted on the countershaft 4| for drivingly connecting the sheave pulleys 48 therewith, said clutch being operated by a foot pedal 51. A sprocket 52 is fixed to the countershaft 49 and is drivingly connected by a suitable chain 53 with a sprocket 54 fixed on the drive shaft 55 of the transmission 31, the driven shaft of said transmission being connected by a universal joint 55 with the drive shaft of the differential gearing in the rear axle housing.

The transmission 31 is preferably suitably mounted on the frame 3, substantially in alignment with the drive shaft of the difierential, and is provided with a gear shift lever 51 which extends upwardly and forwardly adjacent the seat 3| for the convenience of the operator-driver in shifting gears for forward and reverse movement of the vehicle and providing various speeds therefor.

A bracket 58 preferably fixed to the transverse member 1 depends from the frame 3 and is preferably provided with a bearing 59 in which is rotatably mounted the forward end of the transmission drive shaft 55. The bracket 53 is also preferably connected by a ball and socket joint 60 with the rear ends of radius rods 6| which diverge forwardly and have their forward ends suitably connected adjacent the ends of the front axle 18 for additional support of same. A sleeve 62 is preferably fixed to the transverse member I and bracket 58, with its bore 63 coaxially of the pin [6 for slidably mounting a ball 64 having a shank extending downwardly through a slot 65 in the sleeve 82, which shank is fixed to the rear end of a horizontally arranged A-frame 55.

The A-frame 66 preferably consists of an angle bracket Bl to which the shank of the ball 64 is secured. The angle bracket 51 is rigidly fixed to the rear ends of spaced forwardly diverging members 69 which extend under and in engagement with the bottom surface of the flange 2| of the front axle 8. The A-frame members 69 extend forwardly of the front axle and have their ends connected by vertically spaced plates 18 and H, said plates being fixed in engagement with the upper and lower surfaces respectively of the frame members 69. The A-frame members 69 are also connected by a transverse plate 12 arranged substantially under the front axle and supporting a sleeve 13, having a bore 14 extending vertically therethrough. A yoke 15 is supported on the sleeve Z3 and rotatably connected therewith by means of a headed bolt 16 extending through an aperture in the yoke and through the bore 14. Screwed on the end of the shank of the bolt is a castellated nut 11 with an antifriction thrust bearing 18 between the nut TI and the lower end of the sleeve "a3. It is preferable that a plurality of washers 19 be arranged between the yoke and sleeve for adjusting the relative positions thereof as later described.

The yoke is provided with legs which extend upwardly and straddle the front axle I8. Fixed to each of the legs 89 are laterally extending arms 8i which extend beyond the A-frame members 69 and rotatably mount rollers 62 adjacent the ends thereof. The rollers 82 are preferably of the flange type and adapted to rollingly engage the upper surface of the lower flange 2| of the front axle, said rollers supporting the weight of the A-frame and. mechanism carried thereby, and by adjusting the bolt and nut 16 and Ti and removal or addition of washers 79, a sliding contact between the A-frame members 68 and the bottom of the front axle is adjusted to provide proper support as well as swinging movement of the A-frame laterally of the vehicle, the movement of said A-frame being determined by the rollers 82 on the yoke 15 and its connection through the sleeve .3 with said A-frame and the ball .64; andsleeve 62,-the ball movin longitudinally of the vehicle in the bore 63 of the sleeve 62. as. the. A-frame is moved laterall of said vehicle.

The lateral movement of the A.-frame 6.6. is eiiected by means of an hydramic cylinder and piston mechanism, 83, one end 84 of which is pivotally mounted on a. bracket 85 which is socured to the front axle It with. the other end, for example the end of: the piston rod, being pivotally secured to a bracket d6 fixed on an A-irame member 69. The hydraulic. cylinder and piston mechanism 83 preferably is. of the doubleeacting type whereby application of hydraulic.- pressure to said cylinder and piston mechanism, as later described, will actuate same to effect expansion or contraction and' desired movement of the A-frame 86 relative to the. front axle I8.

A vertical shaft t'I' extends through suitable apertures. in the plates Hi and H and is secured thereto as by welding, said shaft extending upwardly from adjacent the forward end of. the A-frame 6'6 and rotatably mounting a column 88. The column 88' is preferably polygonal in crosssection and is hollow, having spaced bearings 89 and to fixed therein and rotatably engaging the shaft 8'1. The column also preferably has a plate 9i fixed therein adapted to rest on an antifriction thrust bearing 92 mounted on the upper end of the shaft 81 for supporting said column and mechanism carried thereby, with the lower end of said column spaced slightly from the upper surface of the plate 'I'Ik. The column is provided with an car 93 projecting therefrom and adapted to be secured by means; of a bolt. or the like to. a bracket 94- on the forward end of. the A-irame to prevent. relative rotation between, the column and A-frame, however, the. ear 33' is adapted to be pivotallyconnected. to one end of a. link- 95, the other end of which is pivotally connected to 'a bracket 96 fixed on one of the. arms 3] whereby the column is rotated relative to the. A-frame during lateral movement thereof to maintain a parallel relationship between the column and front axle it of the-vehicle. The; column 88. has a suitable bore at extending therethrough longitudinally of the vehicle for 'rotatably mounting a shank 38 of a suitable yoke 919, said yoke have ing a shoulder lilo engaging the forward side of the column. for cooperation with a collar IIlil secured to the end of the shank and substantially engaging the rearfaceof the column to eliminate endwise motion of the shank-relative to the column, while permitting rotation of the. shank in thebore 9?.

The yoke 99 includesa bar member I682: rigidly secured to the shank with: spaced arms I83 and IM extending forwardly of the bar member at the ends thereof. Each of the arms I63 and Its has aligned. apertures for receiving the shanks of bolts I05 or the like which also extend: through ears I86 and I 9.1 rigidly secured to the respective upright members Hi8 and H19 of a trackway H0, whereby said trackway is carried on the yoke 99: and is tilted laterally of the vehicle by rotation. of the yoke 99 as later described.

The upright members Hi8- and I99 are channel-shaped and are connected at their 'upper ends by suitable plates or other structure to form a trackway cap IJ'I I. Cooperating with the cap member III to retain the upright members I08 and IDQ in proper spaced relation and form a rigid. structure are spaced connecting bars I I2; and H3, the bar II2. preferably being substantially inter mediate the height ofthe upright members and the bar I I 3, adjacent the lower endof; said: trackway.. Each of the bars II2 and. H3 has. end portions IM. secured as by welding to. the. outer surfaces of the webs of the upright members and the connecting portion IE5 is spaced from the upright members to permit free movement of a hammer or impact member I I6 which is slidably mounted in the, channel-shaped upright members as illustrated in Fig. 3; The bar H2 also preferably has ears II'I extending rearwardly and downwardly therefrom for connection with an adjustable foldable brace I I8 for tilting the track:- way I I0 fore and aft or longitudinally of the care riage or vehicle by moving said trackwa-y about the axis of the bolts or pins I05.

The brace I I8 consists of links II9 having one end pivoted on a pin I20 carried by' the. ears: Ill. The other ends of the links H9 are pivotally mounted on a pin IZI carried by an. arm I22 intermediate the ends thereof, One end of the arm I22 is provided with an aperture I23 adapted to align with an aperture I24 in the links. [I9 when the links and arm are in alignment for receiving a bolt I25 for retaining the link and arms in a stifi brace member. The links. H9 are preferably provided with a stop I26 adapted to. .be engaged by the arm I22 when in alignment with. the links; H9 whereby the links and arms may be pivoted on the pin I2I in one direction only for folding the brace H8. The opposite end of the arm I22 has a threaded bore i2 adapted to receive a threaded shank I28 of an adjusting screw I29. The screw I29 is rotatably mounted and fixed against longitudinal. movement in a bearing member I30, having trunnions. I3I rotatably mounted in a bracket I32. fixed tothe collar I01. The adjusting screw is provided. with a crank member I33 to facilitate; turning of the screw. With this arrangement, turning of the crank. I33 screws thev shank I28 into or out of the threaded bore I21 tolengthen, or shorten the brace. H8 and when the. links I I9 and arm I22 areheld in align; ment, as illustrated in Fig. 2, the turning of the crank I33 will tilt the trackway fore or aft of the a carriage or vehicle.

When it is desired to position the trackway- I lit as illustrated in Fig. 1, for transportation the crank I33 is turned tov tilt the trackway whereby the top thereof moves toward the rear of the vehicle. The. bolt. I25. is; then removed: from. the apertures I23 and I24 whereby the links H9 and arm I22 may be relatively pivoted on. the pin. I2I. The top of the trackway is then pulled over to Ward the, rear of the vehicle to the position shownin Fig. 1, whereby said trackway engages and rests on a post member I34 fixed to the frame of. the. vehicle rearwardly' of the seat 3L Suitable fastening devices may be applied for retaining: the traokway in folded position during transpor tation.

When the trackway is in upright position as;

illustrated, in Fig. 2, it may be tilted laterally of the vehicle by rotating the yoke 99 and shank 98 thereof in the bore 91. This tilting movement is controlled by means of a tubular member t35' rigidly fixed to the bar IE2 of the yoke and depending therefrom.. Slidabl-y mounted in the suitably secured to the forward face of the col umn 88- whereby rotation of the threaded-shaft I39 moves the nut I38 on said threaded shank thereby forcing the tubular member I35 from vertical position, tilting the yoke 99 and the trackway IIO carried thereby.

The hammer may be of any desired shape but is illustrated as having a substantially cylindrical portion I42 having laterally extending side flanges I43 and I44 adapted to slidably engage in the channels I45 and I46 respectively in the upright members I08 and I09 of the trackway I I0. The lower face of the hammer is preferably concaved as at I41 to aid in driving posts without splintering the top of same and also to receive an adapter head I48 which is secured to the hammer by means of bolts I49. The adapter head is provided with an axial aperture for receiving the shanks of various tools on the hammer, such tools being a tamper with various extensions thereon, a paving patch removing tool, a chisel, a concrete baker, a cutter trim tool and various other tools for use in road or right-of-way repair and maintenance.

The hammer H6 is raised and lowered in the trackway under the control of the operatordriver at all times, however, it is preferable that the hammer raising and lowering mechanism be such as to permit substantially free dropping of the hammer. A cable I50 is attached to the upper end of the hammer H6 in any suitable manner with the upper end of said cable wound on a reel II rotatably mounted on a shaft I52 having ends mounted in suitable bearings I53 which are illustrated as being in walls of the housing I54 suitably mounted on the trackway cap I I I.

The reel I5I is preferably operated hydraulically as illustrated in the diagrammatic hydraulic circuit, Fig. 7, which includes an hydraulic motor I 55 having a shaft I56 on which is keyed a sprocket I51 having driving connection by a chain I58 with a. sprocket I59 fixed to the shaft I52. A jaw clutch member I60 is keyed to the shaft I52 for rotation therewith and is also slidable thereon whereby the jaws of said jaw member are engageable with jaws I6I fixed to one end of the reel I5I, the jaw member I60 being actuated by a yoke lever I62 which is operated by a. singleacting, spring-loaded hydraulic cylinder I63 and piston I64, The cylinder and piston are arranged whereby when hydraulic pressure is applied to the cylinder I63, said pressure moves the piston I 64 to compress a spring I65 to operate the lever I62 and move the jaw member I60 into engagement with the jaws I6I. Release of pressure in the cylinder I 63 allows the spring I65 to move the piston I64 to disengage the jaw member I60 from the jaws I6I.

In the hydraulic circuit as illustrated, the prime mover 34 effects operation of the hydraulic pump 35 to draw fluid from a reservoir I66 and move said fluid through a conduit I61 to an actuating valve I68 of the plunger type and so constructed whereby the operation of the plunger I69 selectively directs fluid pressure to selected ends of the cylinder 83 to operate the piston therein to swing the A-frame laterally of the vehicle, but regardless of the position of the plunger I68, a portion of the hydraulic fluid passes through the valve I68 to a hammer control valve I which is also preferably of the plunger type. In neutral position of the plunger IN, the hydraulic fluid passes through the valve I10 to a conduit I12 to the reservoir I66. Operation of the plunger I1I moves same whereby thehydraulic fluid is directed through a conduit I13 whichhas a connection I14 with a conduit I15 leading to the cylinder I63 for application of fluid pressure thereto. The connection I14 also provides communication with a two-way relief valve I16 and a conduit I11 which communicates with the hydraulic motor I55, the discharge of the hydraulic motor passing through a return line I18 to the reservoir I66. Located in the line I18 is an auxiliary reservoir I19 to supply a storage of hydraulic fluid adjacent the discharge of the hydraulic motor.

In neutral position of the plunger I1, the opening to the conduit I13 is closed, thereby maintaining pressure in the conduit and cylinder I63 to retain the reel I5I and the hammer in selected position. In order to permit the hammer to drop, the plunger I1I is moved to provide communication of the conduit I13, through the valve I10 to the conduit I12 for flow of fluid from the conduit I13, thereby releasing pressure in the cylinder I63, permitting the spring I65 to force the piston I64 to move the jaw member I60 into disengaged position, allowing the reel I5I to spin freely on the shaft I52. If it is desired to stop the hammer in its downward movement, the plunger I1I is moved to hammer raising position, causing fluid pressure to be returned to the conduit I13 and apply fluid pressure to the cylinder I63 and piston I64 therein to effect engagement of the jaw member I60 with the jaws I6. This will drive the hydraulic motor I55 in the reverse to normal direction, pumping liquid from the reservoir I19 into the conduit I11, however, the valve I15 will prevent or limit flow of liquid therethrough whereby the fluid in the hydraulic motor will act as a brake and stop the fall of the hammer. With this arrangement, the valves I68 and I10 may be operated separately or simultaneously to move the A-frame laterally of the vehicle and to control operation of the hammer II6.

In operation of an apparatus constructed as described, and assuming same is in the position as shown in Fig. 1 for transportation, the vehicle is moved to the location of the work to be done. When at the proper site, force is applied to the upper end of the trackway to pivot it upwardly on the bolts or pins I05, moving the links II9 into alignment with the arm I22. When in alignment, the bolt I25 is inserted into the apertures I23 and I24 to retain the links and arm in alignment. By rotating the crank I33 to screw the shank I28 in the threaded bore I21, the trackways are tilted fore and aft as desired. By rotating the threaded shank I39, the nut I38 is moved thereon to move the tubular member I35 and tilt the yoke 99 whereby the trackway is moved to provide the proper side tilt or position relative to the vehicle. The desired tools may be applied to the lower end of the hammer for performing the work to be done. The prime mover 34 is then started to operate the pump 35 to provide the hydraulic fluid pressure to the valves I68 and I10. Then by manipulation of the valve lever to operate the valve plunger I1I, fluid pressure is applied to the hydraulic motor I55 and to the hydraulic cylinder I 63 whereby the piston I64 is moved to effect engagement of the jaw member I60 with the jaws I6I whereby the hydraulic motor rotates the reel I5I to wind the cable thereon and raise the hammer in the trackway. By moving the plunger I1I to hammer release position, the release of pressure allows the spring I65 to move the piston I64 to disengage the jaw member I60 from the jaws I6I to permit free rotation of the '9 reel II on the shaft I52 and substantially free dropping of the hammer II6. By repeating the manipulation of the valve I70, the hammer may be raised and dropped as desired.

Simultaneously the operator may operate the clutch 36 and gear shift lever 51 to effect forward or reverse movement of the vehicle and steer the vehicle whereby the effect of the drop of the hammer and the movement of the vehicle is to provide a progression of the work through a selected path. During this operation, the valve I68 may be manipulated to selectively operate the cylinder and piston 93 to move the A-frame 68 laterally of the vehicle and swing the trackway and thereby widen the path in which the Work of the hammer is done. When the link 95 is connected to the bracket 99', the lateral movement of the A-frame' 96 is such that the trackway stays parallel with the front axle I8 and the effect of the hammer is in a straight line parallel to said axle, but there is a limit in width to the path in which the hammer may be effective. By disconnecting the link 95 and securing the ear 93 to the bracket 94, the trackway is swung in an arc defined by the bolt I6, ball 64 and sleeve 62 whereby the total width of the path through which the hammer may be operated is extended.

A modified form of hammer raising and lowering mechanism is illustrated in Figs. 8 and 9, and includes a cylinder I80 mounted on the cap III transversely of the trackway IIII. A piston I8I is slidingly and sealingly arranged in the cylinder whereby application of fluid pressure between the piston and a closed end I82 of said cylinder moves the piston in the cylinder to extend a piston rod I83 fixed to said piston from the opposite end of the cylinder. Secured on the free end of the rod I83 is a head I8 5 having pivotal connections I85 and I86 with ends of links I8! and I33 respectively. Connected to the opposite ends of the respective links I81 and I88 are shafts I89 and I90, which extend through and are slidable in slots I9I and I92 of upper and lower plates I93 and I99 of a frame I95. The slots HM and I92 preferably extend longitudinally of the vehicle and are rearwardly and forwardly of the trackway as illustrated in Fig. 9. Rotatably mounted on the respective shafts I89 and I99 are multiple sheaves I96 and I97. A cable I98 has one end connected to the hammer (not shown) and the other end extends upwardly and over a sheave I99 rotatably mounted in the cap III and then engages a sheave 200 rotatably mounted adjacent the plate I94 in the frame I95 and intermediate the multiple sheaves I96 and I91. The cable then extends around th'e'mu'ltiple sheaves I9'I and I96 to provide the desired mechanical advantage and extent of movement of the cable and hammer in response to bodily movement of the multiple sheaves I99 and I91. The end of the cable is secured to the framework I95.

The hydraulic circuit for operation of the raising and lowering mechanism includes the hydraulic pump 35, reservoir I66, conduit I61 and valves I and 202 which are substantially the same as the valves I68 and H0 respectively except that they are illustrated in a single unit. Operation of the valve 202 provides for flow of hydraulic fluid through a conduit 203 to the cylinder I80 to move the piston therein and the head I84 toward the frame I95. of the links connected to the shafts I89 and I90 to spread apart and thereby move the multiple This movement causesthe ends sheaves $96 and I9? apart, the movement of the sheaves being defined by the engagement of the shafts I89 and I99 with the slats lili and I92. movement draws upwardly on the cable 198 and raises the hammer, then operationof the valve 203 to a neutral position closes the per-t leading to the conduit 299 and holds the hammer in selected position. By moving the valve 202 to the dropping position, the conduit 293 is open for communication to .a conduit 204 leading to the reservoir I whereby the Weight of the hammer pulls on the cable I98 and moves the sheaves I95 and i9? toward each other forcing the piston IS-l toward the closed end of the cylinder I86. The conduits 293 and 204 and the valve openings are relatively large for rapid flow 'of the hydraulic fluid to the reservoir and thereby the hammer has substantially free falling in the trackway, however, during the falling of the hammer the valve may bemoved to neutral po sition closing the port to the conduit 203 to stop the fall of the hammer as desired. Also the rate of the drop of the hammer may be varied by only partially opening the port providing. communication between the conduits 293 and 204.

It is believed obvious that I have provided a multi-purpose, hydraulically operated hammer and vehicle which is self-propelled in .a structure that can be operated b one man and manipulated to provide smashing blows or light blows as desired on flat and sloping terrain, moved progressively forwardly and rearwardly and laterally or otherwise selectively operated to pro? vide blows in selected locations for expediting work such as road and right-of-way maintenance and repair.

What I claim and desire to secure by Letters Patent is:

1. In apparatus mounting a portable drop hammer structure on a carriage having a transverse member, said drop hammer structure having a trackway, a hammer sliding in said trackway and mechanism raising said hammer and permitting substantially free falling thereof; a frame, means on the carriage pivotally and slidably mounting one end of the frame for sliding. movement longitudinally of the carriage and swinging movement of the other end of said frame transversely of the carriage, rollers engaged with the transverse member and movable therealong, means pivotally mounted on the frame in spaced relation to said one end thereof for pivotal movement about a vertical axis and connected to the rollers for supporting the other end of the frame from said transverse member and guiding said other end of the frame in swinging movement transversely of the carriage, an upright column mounted on the frame at said other end thereof and rotatable about a substantially vertical axis, means mounting the trackway' on the column, a source of fluid pressure, means selectively operated by said fluid pressure for swinging the frame laterally of the carriage, and means on the frame connected with the column for control of rotary movement of the column and independent lateral swinging movement of the trackway relative to the frame.

2. In apparatus mounting a portable drop hammer structure on a carriage having a transverse member, said drop hammer structure having a trackway, a hammer sliding in said trackway and mechanism raising said hammer and permitting substantially free falling thereof; a

frame, means pivotally and slidably mounting one end of the frame on the carriage for sliding movement longitudinally of the carriage, means on the frame adjacent the other end of same and having moving engagement with the transverse member of the carriage for supporting said other end of the frame and guiding same in swinging movement laterally of the carriage, a column mounted on the frame and rotatable about a substantially vertical axis, means connecting the column to the frame for control of rotary movement of the column, means pivotally mounting the trackway on the column for swinging movement about an axis transversely of the carriage, adjustable brace means having one end pivotally connected with the column and the other end pivotally connected with the trackway above the pivotal mounting thereof for adjustably tilting the trackway fore and aft of the carriage, a source of fluid pressure, and means selectively operated by said fluid pressure for swinging the frame laterally of the carriage.

3. In apparatus mounting a portable drop hammer structure on a carriage having a transverse member, said drop hammer structure having a trackway, a hammer sliding in said trackway and mechanism raising said hammer and permitting substantially free falling thereof; a frame, means on the carriage pivotally and slidably mounting one end of the frame for sliding movement longitudinally of the carriage and swinging movement of the other end of said frame transversely of the carriage, rollers engaged with the transverse member and movable therealong, means pivotally mounted on the frame in spaced relation to said one end thereof for pivotal movement about a vertical axis and connected to the rollers for supporting the other end of the frame from said transverse member and guiding said other end of the frame in swinging movement transversely of the carriage, an upright column mounted on the frame at said other end thereof and rotatable about a substantially vertical axis, means pivotally mounting the trackway on the column for swinging movement about an axis transversely of the carriage, adjustable brace means having one end pivotally connected with the column and the other end pivotally connected with the trackway for adjustably tilting the trackway fore and aft of the carriage, a source of fluid pressure, means selectively operated by said fluid pressure for swinging of the frame laterally of the carriage, and means on the frame connected with the column for control of rotary movement of the column and independent lateral swinging movement of the trackway relative to the frame.

4. In apparatus mounting a portable drop hammer structure on a self-propelled carriage having front and rear axles, said drop hammer structure having a trackway, a hammer sliding in said trackway and mechanism raising said hammer and permitting substantially free falling thereof; a frame, means between the axles of the carriage pivotally and slidably mounting one end of the frame on the carriage, said end of the frame being slidable longitudinally of the carriage, means on the frame adjacent the other end of same and having moving engagement with the front axle of the carriage for supporting said other end of the frame therefrom and guiding same in swinging movement laterally of the carriage, a column mounted at said other end of the frame and rotatable about a substantially vertical axis, means connecting the column to the frame for control of rotary movement of the column, means pivotally mounting the trackway on the column for swinging movement about axes transversely and longitudinally of the carriage, adjustable brace means having one end pivotally connected with the trackway above the pivotal mounting thereof and the other end pivotally connected with the column for adjustably tilting the trackway fore and aft of the carriage, means connected with the trackway pivotal mounting means and adjustably connected with the column for tilting the trackway laterally of the carriage, a source of fluid pressure, and means selectively operated by said fluid pressure for swinging the frame laterally of the carriage.

5. In apparatus mounting a portable drop hammer structure on a self-propelled carriage having front and rear axles, said drop hammer structure having a trackway, a hammer sliding in said trackway and mechanism raising said hammer and permitting substantially free falling thereof; a frame, means between the axles of the carriage pivotally and slidably mounting one end of the frame on the carriage for sliding movement longitudinally of the carriage and swinging movement of the other end of said frame transversely of the carriage, rollers engaged with one of the axles and movable therealong, means pivotally mounted on the frame in spaced relation to said one end thereof for pivotal movement about a vertical axis and connected to the rollers for supporting the other end of the frame from said one axle and guiding said other end of the frame in swinging movement transversely of the carriage, said other end of the frame extending beyond said one axle, an upright column mounted on the frame at said other end thereof and rotatable about a substantially vertical axis, yoke means pivotally mounted on the column for swinging movement about an axis longitudinally of the carriage, means pivotally mounting the trackway on the yoke means for swinging movement about an axis transversely of the carriage, adjustable brace means having one end pivotally connected with the trackway and the other end pivotally connected to the yoke means for adjustably tilting the trackway fore and aft of the carriage, adjustable means on the column and connected with the yoke means for tilting yoke means and the trackway thereon laterally of the carriage, a source of fluid pressure, means selectively operated by said fluid pressure for swinging the frame laterally of the carriage, and means on the frame connected with the column for control of rotary movement of the column and independent lateral swinging movement of the trackway relative to the frame.

6. In apparatus mounting a portable drop hammer structure on a carriage having a transverse member, said drop hammer structure having a trackway, a hammer sliding in said trackway and mechanism raising said hammer and permitting substantially free falling thereof; a frame, means on the carriage pivotally and slidably mounting one end of the frame for sliding movement longitudinally of the carriage and swinging movement of the other end of said frame transversely of the carriage, rollers engaged with the transverse member and movable therealong, means pivotally mounted on the frame in spaced relation to said one end thereof for pivotal movement about a vertical axis and connected to the rollers for supporting the other end of the frame from said transverse member and guiding said other end of the frame in swinging movement transversely of the carriage, an upright column mounted on the frame at said other end thereof and rotatable about a substantially vertical axis, means mounting the trackway on the column, a source of fluid pressure, and means selectively operated by said fluid pressure for swinging the frame laterally of the carriage,

7. In apparatus mounting a portable drop hammer structure on a carriage having a transverse member, said drop hammer structure having a trackway, a hammer sliding in said trackway and mechanism raising said hammer and preventing substantially free falling thereof; a frame, means pivotally and slidably mounting one end of the frame on the carriage for sliding movement longitudinally of the carriage, means on the frame adjacent the other end of same and having moving engagement with the transverse member of the carriage for supporting said other end of the frame and guiding same in swinging movement laterally of the carriage, a column mounted on the frame and rotatable about a substantially vertical axis, means connecting the column to the frame for control of rotary movement of the column, means pivotally mounting the trackway on the column for swinging movement about an axis transversely of the carriage, adjustable means on the column and connected with the pivotal mounting means of the trackway for tilting the trackway laterally of the carriage, a source of fluid pressure, and

means selectively operated by said fluid pressure for swinging the frame laterally of the carriage.

EVAN E. DORKINS.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 1,381,314 Krupp June 14, 1921 2,121,480 Finn June 21, 1938 2,335,172 Cornett Nov. 23, 1943 2,379,137 Feucht June 26, 1945 2,476,390 Simmonds July 19, 1949 

